SAD NEWS: James Dolan owner of NY Knicks is Gone…..
James Dolan, the owner of the New York Knicks, was the only person to vote against Toronto’s proposal to add a WNBA team. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports that the NBA Board of Governors voted nearly unanimously—29-1—in support of Toronto, while the WNBA Board of Governors voted unanimously—13-0—in favor of the league. Dolan’s complaint stems from a current legal dispute between the Toronto Raptors and the Knicks regarding alleged intellectual property theft.
The Raptors are accused of hiring Ike Azotam, a former employee of the Knicks, who stole trade secrets in order to benefit the Raptors. The lawsuit has been pending since before the current NBA season. According to Aaron Rose of Sports Illustrated, the complaint also names Darko Rajaković, the first-year Raptors coach, who has denied any misconduct. The lawsuit has been branded as “baseless” and a “public relations stunt” by Dolan by the Raptors. They have asked NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to step in and mediate the ongoing conflict.
The Knicks and Raptors completed a transaction involving key players last season, in spite of the legal issues. Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and a draft selection were sent to the Knicks in exchange for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn. But there hasn’t been much of a reduction in the hostility between the two franchises as a result of this deal.
Since Toronto will become the league’s first franchise outside of the US, the WNBA’s expansion to the city represents a significant historical milestone. The new club, which was revealed by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Thursday, is expected to start play in 2026 and bring professional women’s basketball to a global audience. Engelbert stressed the importance of global expansion.
As I expand globally, I’ve been attempting to consider my next moves on a worldwide scale. We can attract new partners and reach new audiences thanks to it,” she remarked.
Kilmer Sports Ventures, led by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment chairman and minority owner Larry Tanenbaum, is investing $115 million to bring the WNBA to Toronto. Tanenbaum emphasized the significance of professional women’s sports for Toronto’s sports scene.
“While our Toronto sports teams are doing well, women’s professional sports have been an essential component that we have been lacking. The enormous talent, enthusiasm, and competitiveness in women’s athletics is something that the world has long recognized.
The 8,700-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place will serve as home to the new Toronto WNBA team’s home arena; games may also be held in the bigger Scotiabank Arena. The dedication to constructing a practice facility highlights the financial support for the team’s expansion and success. This expansion comes after the WNBA held successful exhibition games in Canada, which demonstrated the nation’s passion for women’s basketball and attracted sizable crowds.
As part of its larger plan, the WNBA intends to have 16 teams by 2028, with Philadelphia, Portland, Denver, and Nashville being potential host cities.growth. The WNBA’s thirteenth franchise, the San Francisco-based Golden State Valkyries, will debut in 2025. Toronto will be the fourteenth team, joining the league in 2026. Inspired by Norse mythology, the Valkyries have already unveiled their name and emblem. They will have a striking, powerful brand identity with a black and purple color palette.
